Boys win chance to enjoy NI mascot magic

Stephen Stanford and Jack Thompson from East Belfast got to experience every young Northern Ireland fan’s dream as they walked out as McDonald’s player escorts for the national team’s game against the Faroe Islands at Windsor Park.

Stephen Stanford and Jack Thompson from East Belfast got to experience every young Northern Ireland fan’s dream as they walked out as McDonald’s player escorts for the national team’s game against the Faroe Islands at Windsor Park.

Stephen and Jack won a McDonald’s competition and they got to experience first-hand the excitement of the build up to the game, including being pitch-side as the team warmed up, before walking out hand-in-hand with Northern Ireland players Sammy Clingan and Gareth McAuley. The pair also got to watch Nigel Worthington’s men record a 4-0 win.

Providing player escorts for Northern Ireland home Internationals forms part of McDonald’s new four year Community Partnership with the IFA which seeks to strengthen structures to leave a lasting legacy for grassroots football in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the player escort experience Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland football said: “It’s great to be able to offer children the chance to meet their footballing heroes and to walk onto the pitch at Windsor Park as it’s an experience they will never forget.

“This is an exciting addition to our Community Partnership with the IFA which will continue to develop grassroots football across Northern Ireland to help young players shine.”